§ Mr. KhabraTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps her Department is taking to improve the identification of primary health care issues in local areas. [22894]
§ Mr. MaloneFamily health services authorities work closely with primary care professionals in their areas to identify and respond to local needs. Subject to Parliament's approval, this function will be strengthened by the establishment of unitary health authorities, from April 1996, to replace district health authorities and family health services authorities. The new health authorities will have overall responsibility for assessing the health care needs of the local population.